Applications are once more invited for the Mike Riddell Writer’s Residency. The residency, which offers twelve weeks to an established writer (or six weeks each to two writers) in Ōtūrēhua during the winter months was established in memory of local writer and resident Mike Riddell, who died in March 2022. The residency includes accommodation and a stipend of $1000 a week.

Ōtūrēhua, a tiny village in the Māniatoto region of Central Otago, has a number of writers who have made it their home. Loved writer Brian Turner, who died early in February, lived in the village for 25 years and wrote extensively about the unique landscape and environment. In recent years Ōtūrēhua has also become the venue for the annual Under Rough Ridge Writers’ Retreat, a week long opportunity for writers of all levels to focus on and discuss their work, meet like minds, and hear terrific speakers.

Applications for the residency open on 1 March and close on 11 April. For full details, please refer to the website http://www.underroughridge.co.nz.